Indian cricket team has the greatest pull in terms of fans, and when they play other major teams, it's match value is elevated further. But International schedule is made in such a way that even the lowest ranked teams demand a slice off the top cherry, and BCCI can only delay not deny them as those smaller teams also have one full vote at the crucial ICC meetings..

Zimbabwe were heart-broken when Indian cricket board decided to put their tour on hold, sighting fatigue-factor couple of months ago, sending their team to West Indies for a tri-series instead but now they've confirmed that India will tour Zimbabwe for a series of five ODIs this July 2013. Zimbabweans do have the test status as well, not considered good enough to play against the top six ranked teams. There will be no twenty20 on this tour either.

The tour begins at Harare sports club ground on 24th July with the first ODI, followed by second at the same venue a day later and third on 28th. Then, teams move to Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo for the last two games.

The last time Indians were to Zimbabwe, back in 2010, they sent over a teams of youngsters captained by Suresh Raina which failed to reach the finals of the tri-series also involving Sri Lankans. Visitors finished tour by winning the twin T20 series.

This time again, selectors are send over a similar team of upcoming players, which should give Zimbabwean captain Brendon Taylor and his troops to make a statement, if they can.

Schedule : India in Zimbabwe, 5 ODI series, July 2013

Date

Match

Venue

24 July 2013

India v Zimbabwe, 1st ODI (Day)

Harare

26 July 2013

India v Zimbabwe, 2nd ODI (Day)

Harare

28 July 2013

India v Zimbabwe, 3rd ODI (Day)

Harare

1 August 2013

India v Zimbabwe, 4th ODI (Day)

Bulawayo

3 August 2013

India v Zimbabwe, 5th ODI (Day)

Bulawayo

All the matches will be played a day games, starting at 10am local time = 1.30pm India.

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